A recent viral video claiming to capture Bollywood actress Kajol Devgan changing outfits on camera has been identified as a deepfake by fact-checking platform BOOM. This alarming trend of deepfakes, where manipulated content is presented as real, poses serious challenges, including misinformation and non-consensual imagery.
What is a Deepfake?
Deepfakes involve the use of advanced technology to create fabricated images, videos, or audio that convincingly mimic real people. In this instance, the deepfake manipulated Kajol’s face onto an original video featuring a social media influencer.
The Origins of the Deepfake
BOOM traced the original video back to a social media influencer and confirmed that the viral deepfake had morphed Kajol’s face into the content. This incident highlights the misuse of technology to create misleading and potentially harmful content.
Rising Threat of Deepfakes
The proliferation of deepfakes has become a significant concern, leading to issues such as the creation of explicit content without consent and the spread of misinformation. In a related incident, a social media account had previously posted deepfake pornographic videos involving Bollywood actresses, prompting the Indian government to issue advisories to major platforms.
Government Advisory on Deepfakes
Following public outcry, the Indian government issued an advisory to major social media platforms, urging swift action against deepfakes and the removal of content propagating misinformation. This aligns with the IT Rules of 2021 and emphasizes the need for responsible content moderation.
Kajol Deepfake Circulation on Social Media
The morphed video, falsely depicting Kajol, has been widely circulated on major platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Despite BOOM’s fact-check, the video had garnered thousands of views, underscoring the challenge of controlling the spread of deepfake content.
Identity Protection
BOOM has chosen to keep the identity of the woman in the original video confidential due to the non-consensual use of her imagery in the deepfake. This highlights the ethical considerations surrounding the creation and distribution of manipulated content.
Original Video Clarification
In a crucial revelation, BOOM found a brief moment in the deepfake where the original woman’s face is visible. A screenshot of this segment was compared to the original video, which confirmed that the person in the video is not Kajol. The original video, part of the “Get Ready With Me” trend on TikTok, was uploaded on June 5, 2023.
The “Get Ready With Me” Trend
“Get Ready With Me” or “GRWM” videos, as reported by Vogue, are a popular trend on TikTok where content creators share their preparation routines. The deepfake incident highlights how innocent trends can be misused through manipulation.
Confirmation from the Influencer
BOOM reached out to the social media influencer featured in the original video, who confirmed her presence in the footage. This reinforces the fact that the deepfake maliciously inserted Kajol’s face onto the influencer’s content.
In conclusion, this incident underscores the pressing need for awareness, vigilance, and responsible technology use to combat the growing threat of deepfakes. As consumers, it’s crucial to critically evaluate content and be cautious of manipulated media circulating on social platforms.